Latest news with #BayofBengalInitiativeforMulti-SectoralTechnicalandEconomicCooperation
The Hindu
05-08-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
We live in uncertain times, collective desire to see 'fair and representative' global order: EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday (August 4, 2025) said "we live in complicated and uncertain times" and a collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one "dominated by a few". That quest is often articulated as "political or economic rebalancing," he said in his address at the opening ceremony of the inaugural BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival 'Saptasur'. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation is now known as BIMSTEC and comprises seven Member States, with the admission of Myanmar later in 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in 2004. In his address, Mr. Jaishankar welcomed the festival's participants drawn from various member states of the regional grouping. He said this music festival follows a commitment made earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC Summit. At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in April in Bangkok, the hosting of the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in India in 2025 was among the initiatives announced at the mega conclave. "We live in complicated and uncertain times, and a collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest is often articulated as political or economic rebalancing," Mr. Jaishankar said. In his remarks, he also said obtaining respect and ensuring dignity for societies can also be achieved through cultural prowess, "especially cultural prowess". "In that context, traditions are of a particular value, because ultimately they define identities. We must be assured of what we are if we want to be confident about shaping the future. And, for nations like us, traditions are truly a great source of strength," he said. The External Affairs Minister underlined that music is "culture, heritage and tradition to all of us", and individually or as a group, it is an expression of creativity or sometimes even of emotions. "Music has always been a medium to connect amongst ourselves and with others. Both the shared traditions and distinct nuances, the music of BIMSTEC member states will be on full display, the EAM said. There is so much that music can convey that it is understandably regarded as the soul of a society. But it is even more so when it comes to traditional music, the Union Minister said. "Like other forms of culture, music serves both as a bridge between nations and a powerful expression of their heritage and identity," he said.
Hans India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Union Min to inaugurate BIMSTEC ports conclave in Vizag today
Visakhapatnam: Reaffirming India's commitment to strengthen regional maritime connectivity and cooperation across the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) is going to host the second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave at Novotel on Monday (July 14). Focusing on the theme 'navigating the future: blue economy, innovation and sustainable partnerships', the two-day conclave will bring together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand on to a platform. The conclave will be inaugurated by Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The Union Minister will inaugurate several developmental projects at Visakhapatnam Port and lay the foundation stone for ensuing infrastructure works in the presence of Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur and chairperson of VPA M. Angamuthu, among others. BIMSTEC plays a pivotal role in creating a prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific in line with India's Act East Policy, Neighbourhood First, and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. As part of the BIMSTEC Ports conclave's first edition, the theme centred on 'the blue seas synergy summit'. The second edition to focus on unlocking private investment and infrastructure partnerships across BIMSTEC ports, including fast-tracking of Kaladan Multimodal Transit Corridor and associated logistics networks, identifying and promoting coastal tourism circuits and heritage cruise lines, upskilling port workforce and developing future-ready talent pools, advancing the Blue Economy through green energy adoption, sustainable logistics, and digital transformation. Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the conclave will feature deliberations on Harit Sagar (green ports) and shore-to-ship power supply and green hydrogen integration and decarbonisation pathways, smart logistics corridors, SEZs, and port-linked industrialisation. Ministers of Transport and Ports from BIMSTEC countries, senior officials from Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, delegates from shipping corporations, port trusts, logistics companies and experts from UNESCAP, ADB, BIMSTEC Secretariat, and international think tanks to participate in the conclave.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
13-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Minister Sonowal to inaugurate Bimstec ports conclave in Vizag on July 14
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the second Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) ports conclave in Visakhapatnam on July 14. The two-day event, to be held until July 15, aims to enhance regional maritime cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework, said an official press release. "BIMSTEC enhances regional unity through maritime cooperation and trade connectivity, said T Venu Gopal, secretary, Visakhapatnam Port Authority. During his visit, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is also expected to inaugurate completed development projects and lay foundation stones for upcoming port infrastructure. Themed Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships', the conclave will bring together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries. Delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have arrived, along with chairpersons and senior officials from major Indian ports, the release added. The event will feature keynote addresses by prominent BIMSTEC representatives, Indian officials, and technical experts, focusing on port infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable development. The conclave is expected to boost Visakhapatnam's position as a strategic maritime hub and strengthen BIMSTEC cooperation in shipping and logistics, Gopal added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Visakhapatnam to host second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on July 14, 15
Visakhapatnam is all set to host the second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on July 14 and 15, underscoring India's commitment to strengthening regional maritime connectivity and cooperation under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) framework. The conclave will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. Delegates from BIMSTEC member countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — arrived in Visakhapatnam on Sunday to participate in the two-day event, along with chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, and senior officials from all major ports across India, according to M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. Mr. Sonowal is also scheduled to inaugurate several developmental projects at Visakhapatnam Port and lay the foundation stone for upcoming infrastructure works. He will be joined by Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The conclave is expected to further deepen BIMSTEC cooperation in the ports and maritime sector, while positioning Visakhapatnam as a pivotal hub in the Bay of Bengal maritime landscape, said T. Venu Gopal, Secretary of the Port.
United News of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Visakhapatnam Port Authority to host 2nd BIMSTEC Port Conclave from July 14
Visakhapatnam, July 12 (UNI) To strengthen regional maritime connectivity and cooperation across the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) is organising the two-day second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave here from July 14. The two-day conclave, themed 'Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships,' will bring together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, the port said in a release here today. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, leaves no stone unturned in planning, executing, and delivering a world-class summit that will be recognized globally. The Ministry is embracing this conclave as a challenge to host high-level delegations, international port operators, trade associations, diplomats, industry leaders, and maritime technology providers to set new benchmarks for international maritime events. It is an opportunity to elevate the BIMSTEC collaboration onto a global plane—uniting regional aspirations with global ambitions. The conclave is poised to be a transformative event that redefines the Bay of Bengal as the next global trade hotspot and it will pave the way for resilient maritime ecosystems, regional connectivity, and a shared future of prosperity, innovation, and sustainability. BIMSTEC plays a pivotal role in creating a prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific, in line with India's Act East Policy, Neighbourhood First, and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) remains deeply invested in the peaceful development of the Bay of Bengal, fostering inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and regional trade partnerships through BIMSTEC. The upcoming conclave aims to turbocharge regional maritime growth by: Unlocking private investment and infrastructure partnerships across BIMSTEC ports. Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the conclave will feature deliberations on: Harit Sagar (Green Ports) and shore-to-ship power supply; Green hydrogen integration and de-carbonization pathways; Smart logistics corridors, SEZs, and port-linked industrialization. Senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Delegates from Shipping Corporations, Port Trusts, Logistics Companies. Experts from UNESCAP, ADB, BIMSTEC Secretariat, and international think tanks are expected to participate in the event.B2B and G2B sessions will open avenues for cross-border collaboration, MoU signings, and project-level discussions to catalyse investment and innovation in the region during the two-day conclave. With its advanced port infrastructure, cruise terminal, and multimodal logistics ecosystem, Vizag provides the perfect backdrop to discuss the next phase of BIMSTEC's Maritime journey. UNI KNR SS
